History of Dogs

The modern dog is said to have the miacis as its ancestor. Miacis had short limbs and a tail and was a creature similar to a weasel that lived 40 million years back in the Eocene period. The immediate wild ancestors to the dogs are thought to be wolves (Canis lupus). They were domesticated from wolves as recently as 15,000 years ago, recent studies showing that they were first domesticated in China and brought from there to North America.

The greyhound dogs (like the, Ibizan, Basenji or Afghan) were documented in ancient Egypt 5000 years ago. Many believe that people domesticated wolves because the social structure of the wolf is very similar to that of man. Wolves had many similarities with dogs, as a wider cranium, convex mandible, smaller eyes and teeth. The reproductive cycles are the most important difference, these being twice as that of wolves in dogs. A dog can be considered sexually mature at the age of one, while a wolf when it is two years old.

Among the oldest breeds, Chow Chow, Akita Inu, Shiba Inu or Shar Pei were identified, a total of 14 ancient dog breeds. Later on, in the European Middle Ages, pure breed dogs were highly valued by royal families and used for sporting events. Beginning with the 19th century, more dog species were created in order to recreate lost ancient breeds or in a desire to have working dogs with certain traits. Breeds were used for hunting, retrieving, as companions and many more.

In the whole history, there are over 2000 species of dogs, most of which have been lost over time. Scientists estimate that we currently have 400 species of dogs worldwide. The Federation of Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has grouped the dogs into 10 classes, while the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Kennel club of Britain (KC) classified them into six classes. Whatever the breeds or classes are, dog's importance in man's life will continue.

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